+25%: Budget increase 2025 → 2026
+€173,562: More spending than 2025
The question is not whether the community needs to spend money. Of course it does. The question is: why such a sharp increase? What does it translate into? What concrete improvements will owners see?
Where spending rises: line by line
2025 actual vs. 2026 budget — main items
Salaries: €322,736
Maintenance & cleaning: €75,000
Awning repairs: €60,000
Security services: €80,000
Social security: €74,565
The largest absolute increase is in salaries: +€44,237. Maintenance and cleaning rises by 50%. Awnings by 55%. These three items alone account for over €90,000 in increases.
More spending is not inherently bad — if it translates into visible, well-documented and well-managed improvements. But so far, owners have received no explanation of why these items are rising or what concrete results they can expect.
Expenses rise. Debt income doesn't.
While expenses increase by 25%, €1.9 million in unpaid fees remains uncollected (see Story #1). In 2025, just €3,568 was spent on lawyers to recover that debt.
In other words: paying owners are asked to pay more, while defaulting owners face no consequences. Those who pay are subsidising those who don't.
The imbalance: more spending, same debt
Spending increase 2026: +€173,562
Investment in debt recovery 2025: €3,568
Total outstanding debt: €1,900,000
Before voting, we need to ask
Agenda item 3 on Saturday is the approval of this budget. Every owner has the right to understand what they are voting on. A 25% increase requires a detailed explanation — not just a document with numbers.
What does the law say?
Under the Horizontal Property Act, owners must approve the budget at the General Meeting. To make an informed decision, they are entitled to an itemised budget, a comparison with the previous year, and justification for increases. A budget without explanations turns the vote into a leap of faith.
Questions for the March 7 meeting
1. What is the specific justification for a 25% budget increase?
2. Why do salaries rise by 16%? Are there new hires or pay rises?
3. The cleaning line item rises by 50%. What concrete improvements does it include?
4. Has an investment plan been prepared that links each increase to measurable outcomes?
5. What measures will be taken to collect the €1.9 million debt and reduce the burden on paying owners?
6. Can individual line items be approved separately rather than voting on the entire budget as a block?
Your fees fund this budget
If this budget is approved, fees will rise. Every owner will pay more. And has the right to know exactly why and for what.
If you cannot attend, delegate your vote. Article 26 of the statutes — even via WhatsApp.
+25% more spending demands +100% more transparency.